John T. McCutcheon Elementary

Mission Statement

"John T. McCutcheon Elementary School educates the whole child through an inquiry based educational experience that focuses on creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication. McCutcheon Elementary is committed to maintaining an inclusive educational environment centered around STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) and SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), which supports all students academically, socially, emotionally, and culturally. We strive to foster a caring environment through strong school, family, and community relationships. We partner with our school community and stakeholders to make decisions that are in the best interests of our students. We dedicate ourselves to meeting the individual needs of every student, who are empowered to make positive impacts in their lives, community, and the world.”

STEAM School Designation

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. STEAM schools provide an instructional approach that values project and problem-based learning, design thinking, and an interdisciplinary curriculum. Students are immersed not only in STEAM disciplines and career pathways; STEAM schools integrate the fine, media, and performing arts into their instructional core.

Every day in every STEAM classroom, all students will:

~Actively make sense of and construct solutions to complex questions

~Productively contribute to the learning community to support a culture of collaboration, risk-taking, creativity, and innovation

~Regularly reflect on and communicate their understanding of disciplinary ideas

School Implications

"Through these experiences and purposeful opportunities, students will be

knowledgeable, flexible, and resourceful problem solvers prepared to make the world a better place."

Parent Takehomes

Families are given monthly STEAM projects to work at home that promote complex thinking. Students can work independently or with the help of family members. Projects are accessible online through the McCutcheon website.

K-2

3-8

CSI Program

McCutcheon partners with Loyola University to provide access to more resources, out of school programs, and to engage families. They have been a community school since 2012.

"Community schools bring together educators, families, and community partners to meet students’ and families’ academic and non-academic needs, develop educated citizens, and strengthen local neighborhoods. Programs and services focus on four areas: expanded learning opportunities; health and social supports and services; family and community engagement; and early childhood development."

Through the CSI initiative, McCutcheon is able to provide programing outside of typical school hours.